BSM Magazine Holiday Issue 2018

BSM BEAUTIFULLY SAID MAGAZINE

Holiday 2018

GREAT GIFT IDEAS INSIDE

TIKA SUMPTER

MUA ON TOP HOLIDAY LOOKS

Jason Dirden Talks Greenleaf, American Soul & the Holiday Season

3 VEGAN

By TabithaTIPS Brown HOLIDAY

By Tabitha Brown

SHOP Earth’s Nectar www.earthsnectar.com

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Shop Annlettered for the Holidays

BSM

BEAUTIFULLY SAID MAGAZINE Vol. 7

from the

PUBLISHER BSM Media Group

editor’s desk

GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF La Trisha McIntosh La Tasha Taylor GROUP EDITOR BSM Team SENIOR WRITER La Trisha McIntosh La Tasha Taylor STAFF WRITERS Emelda De Coteau CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Vannessa Wade CR8 agency ADMINISTRATION BSM Team CREATIVE DESIGNERS Naz Taheri PHOTOGRAPHERS Naz Taheri Christopher Allen INTERNS Naz Taheri MARKETING EXECUTIVES BSM Marketing Team

La trisha (l) La tasha (r)

Change is a part of life. In order to move forward you have to grow. Even when it hurts to do so. But not all change is painful. In fact, expanding your territory in both your personal and professional life can be a beautiful experience. You are the author of your next chapter, and you get to determine when is the best time to switch things up without a significant holiday as a reminder. A great example of this is not waiting until the New Year to start a business or sign up for those fitness classes you’ve always wanted to take. Who determines the best time to do the things on your vision board or what’s written down on a sticky note? You! With that being said, we are excited to share our new look! It is the change we felt necessary to continue giving our audience more great stories, interviews and videos. Like Greenleaf actor, Jason Dirden who will star in the new BET Drama Series “American Soul.” It is the story of Soul Train host, Don Cornelius.

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CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION

Jason plays his close confidante, Gerald Aims.

Need holiday make up tips? Check out our Q&A with Celebrity MUA, Mecca Dickerson. Her work is seen on several stars in the film and television industry like actress Tika Sumpter (Nobody’s Fool). Also, inside is great gift ideas for the season, new-author book releases and featured businesses.

We welcome you to enjoy our latest issue and share with us the changes you have in place when you visit us on social media. As always, we appreciate your support and from our family to yours...

Happy Holidays,

La Trisha McIntosh La Tasha Taylo

bsmandmedia.com

The ‘Original’ Twins of Media - Digital, Print, and BSM Network.

Culture: Celebrity News, Entrepreneurs and Everyday Lifestyle Living.

BSM

CONTENTS 9

430

20

15 COVER STORY

jason

18 MAJOR. Dubbed as the artist that creates the soundtrack of life.

Dirden

20 ANNA MARIE DOBBINS Fashion+Security authenticlly stylish.

Talks Greenleaf, American Soul & the Holiday Season

24 HEALTHY TOGETHER Three resons to visit the farmers market.

15 Jason Dirden Jason is authentically funny. Something we acknowledge in the first few minutes of our conversation.

Subscribe today Visit www.bsmandmedia.com for print and digital subscriptions offers

26 PAULISHIA AUGILLARD The Theraphist Lady.

28 LILAN BOWDEN Stars as the free-spirited ‘Bex Mack’ in Disney’s awardwinning, coming-of-age series “Andi Mack.”

cool stuff

Roll Out! Michelle Obama is the First Lady still loved and adored by many. Long after she and Barack Obama walked out the doors of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for the last time in 2017. Her new memoir, “Becoming Michelle Obama” debuted last month on Nov. 13. How do you celebrate this highly anticipated book? By gifting your friends and family with one as a great stocking stuffer. Photo credit: Chuck Kennedy

Honestly Margo was founded by teen CEO, Margo Gianos, when she was just 12 years old and represents today’s women, creating products that are not only fun and fresh but are unique and relevant to what women are seeking. The brand is about pure goodness with good for you ingredients, like the recently launched Roller Girl Roll-On Lipgloss collection of crystal clear lip glosses with natural flavors including: DESTINY Bubblegum, AMBER Strawberry, ALEXIS Watermelon, JAZMIN Grape, CHERRY Cherry, and CRYSTAL Vanilla. MSRP $12.00 for 4 oz. honestlymargo.com

Courtesy of : www.tillymannmusic.com

book culture

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David and Tamela Mann are celebrating their 30year marriage with the release of their new memoir, Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage, and Family available November 13, 2018.

In their new book, the superstar couple candidly share a wonderfully inspiring, funny, and up-close look at their lives while offering hope and practical advice for building a strong relationship, marriage and family.

PHOTO CREDIT: sweetroots.blogspot.com

3 Vegan

Holiday Tips

By Tabitha Brown

1.

Don’t judge each other for their meal choices.

2.

Make all your sides vegan and don’t tell anyone. Most times they won’t know the difference.

3.

Yams with coconut sugar, vegan butter, vegan marshmallows and honey. Everybody happy!!

In the spirit of the holiday season, “Come on in the room”

‘TIS THE SEASON TO VISIT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD STARBUCKS FOR GIFT IDEAS

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Hope

Finding

h

“For its very survival’s sake, America must re-examine old presuppositions and release itself from many things that for centuries have been held sacred.

For the evils of racism, poverty and militarism to die, a new set of values must be born. Our economy must become more personcentered than property- and profitcentered. Our government must depend more on its moral power than on its military power.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The world is erupting – climate change, institutionalized racism, economic inequality, toxic masculinity, and the destructive ideology of white supremacy which is rapidly rolling back gains of civil rights advocates in multiple spheres. Folks of faith can no longer pray passively, hoping things improve, while sticking our heads down in bibles and looking away because it’s uncomfortable. Prayer demands an active partnership with God to birth change.

How can we love God yet remain silent about the cruel treatment of the most marginalized among us – communities of color and immigrants, the differently abled (physical and mental challenges), women, folks of various gender

and sexual identities, and the poor, many of whom experience intermittent homelessness, despite scraping together a living working multiple jobs.

“Almost a third of U.S. workers (41.7 million people) now earn less than $12 an hour. Nearly half (58.3 million) earn less than $15 an hour, ” according to an article in Fast Company.

“How can we love many continue to suffer alone, we choose complacency God yet remain because over meaningful change and with the larger world. silent about the connection My friend Lenora quoted Rabbi on Instagram last year, cruel treatment Heschel and I couldn’t get what she said out of my mind – the importance of the most of praying with our feet. And I marginalized began to looking into the story behind the phrase: among us” Isolating ourselves means

“When Rabbi Heschel returned from Selma, he was asked by someone, ‘Did you find much time to pray, when you were in Selma?’ Rabbi Heschel responded, ‘I prayed with my feet.’ What was his point? That his marching, his protesting, his speaking out for Civil Rights was his greatest prayer of all.”

As I continued contemplating the Rabbi’s words, it felt as if I found the faith I sought for so long, one rooted in a “radical revolution of values,” as Dr. King said towards the end of his life. I thought of Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges us to speak up for the poor, those who are judged unfairly. Then I began listening to and reading James Cone, who calls us towards black liberation theology which places the suffering Jesus endured in a wider context of oppression:

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Photo credit: James Motter

The Christian community, therefore, is that community that freely becomes oppressed, because they know that Jesus himself has defined humanity’s liberation in the context of what happens to the little ones.

Christians join the cause of the oppressed in the fight for justice not because of some philosophical principle of “the Good” or because of a religious feeling of sympathy for people in prison. Sympathy does not change the structures of injustice.

About the writer

The authentic identity of Christians with the poor is found in the claim which the Jesus-encounter lays upon their own life-style, a claim that connects the word “Christian” with the liberation of the poor.

Christians fight not for humanity in general but for themselves and out of their love for concrete human beings. – God of the Oppressed There are too many folks within churches clinging to a false narrative of color blindness (differences don’t have to divide us), bristling at the mention of #BlackLivesMatter (or the affirmation of any other marginalized group), while ignoring Trump’s abhorrent treatment of women and anyone else who differs from him, simply because he self identifies as a Christian.

“Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.”

– Zephaniah 3:10 Praying with our feet means consistently coming off our knees and into the world, sharing Christ’s radical love with everyone, sharing the message of salvation and hope, and examining our own motives daily: Are we uplifting the status quo or disrupting it as Jesus did throughout his time on earth? What matters more – your comfort or commitment to creating a world of light, beauty and justice? Will you pray passively or in the spirit of transformation?

Learn more about Faith & Activism Here: Sojourners (magazine and community for folks of faith who want to make a difference)

Emelda is a loving wife, mama, creative, and believer seeking God anew in each moment. Although based in Baltimore, this daughter of a Honduran immigrant feels at home throughout the world. She serves as founder of Women Creatives Chat, a community dedicated to empowering all creative women through events (both online and live, including bi-monthly chats for creatives, a quarterly book chat series on Instagram featuring writers from the WCC community, and a Facebook Live Show), workshops and daily doses of inspiration on Instagram and Facebook. She is co-founder of Cocktails and Creatives Events which connects women artists with the larger community through live and virtual gatherings.

She blogs at Live In Color, about faith, activism and motherhood (which is soon becoming Pray With Our Feet), is a columnist for BSM Magazine, and contributing writer for the Pretty Entrepreneur blog (a community which empowers women of color in business).

Mecca Di the

celeb mua QUEEN

Tika Sumpter

BEAUTY BY: BSM Team PHOTOS BY: Renee RodenKirchen And ELLE

Mecca Dickerson is a Celebrity MUA based in and her work is seen on several stars in the film and television industry. Here she shares how she got into the business and her top makeup looks for the holiday season.

As a celebrity makeup artist your clients include; “Nobody’s Fool” actress, Tika Sumpter. Tell us how you got into the business?

I started in NYC. I met a producer by the name of Gingi Rochelle

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after a break up and getting fired from a hair salon. She happened to call me right in the middle of that storm and she saved me.

She gave me a home and my first music video in 1999. It was nice and smooth without her ever seeing my work. That was the start of my career.

How do encourage your clients to maintain healthy skin with or without wearing makeup?

•Drink lots of water •Get plenty of sleep/rest •Remove makeup with raw coconut oil

ckerson

It’s the lifestyle and mindset behind our skin that has both men and women interested lately. People are waking up to a more natural foundation (skin like) and the healthier the skin, the better the foundation lays and less of it you will have to use.

assist others and then you move up as you learn new things you didn’t get straight out of school. Most importantly, show up on time. Be consistent and clean. Smell good. Hygiene is a must!

Beauty is…

What are some of the top makeup looks for this holiday season?

Open to anyone’s interpretation. It is self-confidence and self-love.

Glitter, bold lips (reds and pinks). You want to stay with a little color. Add extra blush; get a rosy glow that will make your cheeks pop. Use eyeliner, but not all the way around your eyes. Try different colors.

Smudge it out as well. Think bright lips and deep colors. Have fun with it!

Your advice for someone wanting to become a celebrity MUA.

What’s next on your business radar?

“Beauty is...Open to anyone’s interpretation. it is self-confidence and self-love”

Put in the work! Stay on top of your craft. Be patient and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Do you!

Be open to all levels of the business when starting out.

Sometimes you have to

I have a HBO series starting in January 2019.

How will you spend the holidays?

Thanksgiving with friends at the spa and beach. Christmas and New Year’s with my family in Detroit, MI. Top social media post where our readers can follow?

Instagram and Facebook @ meccadickerson. I don’t do Twitter.

BLUBERRY BLISS CURL CONTROL JELLY AND PASTE

BLUEBERRY BLISS The Leading Organic Hair Products www.curls.biz

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so Why Jason Dirden is

Good at being bad

“I don’t know why they always cast me in gangster roles” BY: LA TRISHA AND LA TASHA PHOTOS BY: Jamal Murray

“I hope to be back for the holidays,” says actor Jason Dirden. The Houston native shares he doesn’t get to visit home often because of work, but he happened to be in town at the time of this interview. Partly because of family; His sister celebrated a milestone 50th birthday and he attended a local charity event, “Dine With Merci” on behalf of the WithMerci Foundation hosted by founder and Houston Texans, Whitney Mercilus.

Jason is authentically funny.

Something we acknowledge in the first few minutes of our conversation. “I don’t know why they always cast me in gangster roles,” he says through laughter. Jason is talking about his latest part in the new BET Drama Series, American Soul. It’s the story of Don Cornelius, creator of the legendary music and dance show, Soul Train. He plays Gerald Aims, Cornelius’ close associate. “I got the role like most come about in my relatively young career, I had to audition,” he says in humor and causing us to laugh as well. He admits it took four auditions and an initial reading of the pilot before he was cast. The character he portrays was a known hustler and club

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owner who introduced Cornelius to the decadent world of Los Angeles. “We handle many factual events in Don’s personal life where you will see who he was as a man,” says Jason. “Many knew him as only being a TV host and pioneer, but there was his relationship with his wife, son and the things he had to sacrifice back home in Chicago in order to make Soul Train happen.” One of the things Jason also mentions is Cornelius’ move to LA was so the show could become nationally syndicated. “In this industry, I don’t care what year or what decade you are in you are going to have to sacrifice personal things in order to make a career in entertainment.”

So how will the series handle the later-in-life troubles of a man who was synonymous with the phrase; ‘Love, Peace and Soul and who died of an apparent suicide on February 1, 2012? “The way the TV series works is we are in the process of shooting right now. We haven’t seen anything yet on how that particular storyline will be handled or even explained,” says Jason.

“Playing Gerald Aims is different from that of Basie” We switch the conversation to discuss Jason’s popular role as Basie Skanks on the OWN drama, Greenleaf. Which wrapped its third season in November. In the storyline, we saw his character reacting to his wife, Tasha (Asia’h Epperson) messing around with Jacob (Lamman Rucker).

“Season 3 was all about skeletons coming out of the closet where it was a no-win situation and the family was falling apart, he says. “I came back to set things straight. Somebody had to pay!” Telling us, fans expected it to be dangerous for a lot of the characters on the show.

“Playing Gerald Aims is different from that of Basie,” says Jason. “Gerald came into Cornelius’ life to represent everything the Soul Train host was not ready for in LA.” Viewers will see how he provided Cornelius’ with connections to a lot of the music artists in the 70’s because he owned a nightclub. “Their relationship became symbiotic.

Gerald needed Cornelius to do certain things and Cornelius needed Gerald to do the same to make the show go. He was one of his closest confidantes and the two became really good friends.”

What has Jason learned since filming of American Soul began? “The history of it all he says, “The show is about the evolution of Soul Train.

It represents what was going on in our country at that time. A cultural experience of understanding who we were as an African American community. It covers everything from people drafted in Vietnam to the music business and relationships.

There are so many aspects of the show that are universal and people will identify with it no matter how old they are,” he explains. “It will be nostalgic for some and a cool series for others.”

Though the show is dramatized and fictionalized for television, Jason points out there are real life events to be told; such as how American Bandstand and other similar shows stole from the music and dance format of Soul Train; even trying to poach its dancers to come on the Caucasian based show hosted by Dick Clark. Cornelius tried to sue their production company because he felt Clark was trying to copy and monopolize on the genre of black entertainment he started. “It shows the friction quote on quote that dance shows would cause racially. Nothing was safe as far as the racial divide of this country,” says Jason. However, he recognizes the significance Soul Train had overall, “Forty to fifty years later, we’re still talking about how impactful this show really was.”

So before ending this interview, we asked Jason who loves Shipley’s donuts and is a ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ fan till this day, if he would make it home in time for the holidays. “If not Thanksgiving, I hope to be back for Christmas,” he shared.

“I’m in the middle of filming, but I love being around family and I can’t wait to get back to H-Town!”

T

outed as “The Hope Dealer” pop-soul recording artist, MAJOR. (BOE/Empire), has had a phenomenal year of “wins” and “firsts.”

Beyond his signature love ballad “Why I Love You” remaining the “Wedding Love Song of the Year,” as Stevie Wonder says - the song continues to soar to new heights. This Friday at the legendary the MINT, will mark the close of his first solo national tour which culminates with the finale concert in his home city of Los Angeles.

MAJOR. released his debut album, Even More this fall, and it received rave reviews by Patti LaBelle & Halle Berry. The 10-track LP has produced two chart-topping singles to date including “Honest,” (#5 on Billboard UAC), and current up-tempo smash “Better with You In It.” After starting the year off as a two-time NAACP Image Award Nominee, MAJOR. closes out the year with his first Soul Train Awards nomination in the Certified Artist Award category. “I’m literally living the dreams I saw years ago. From artist to watch to nominee?! Now that’s MAJOR!” says MAJOR. Another 2018 “win”, is the feature of MAJOR.’s song “My Future” in the #1 comedy “Night School” starring Kevin Hartand Tiffany Haddish. This was quickly followed up with his hit song “Better With You In It” being selected as the official theme song for Black Love on OWN. “MAJOR. has been dubbed as the artist that creates the soundtrack of life. So these placements only further illuminate what we’ve known to be the true of his artistry”, says label head and super producer Harmony Samuels.

For 2019, the singer/actor has much to look forward to including the second leg of his national tour with a few international spot dates and a massive promotional push for new music.

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Major.

SOURCE:CR8 AGENCY

PHOTOS BY: NOWTHATSMAJOR.COM

ANNA MARIE DOBBINS

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FASHION + SECURITY AUTHENTICALLY STYLISH BY: BSM TEAM PHOTOS BY: BENJO ARWAS

You are known for such memorable roles in Footloose, The Vampire Diaries and most recently opposite Eric Roberts in the Lifetime thriller feature film, Stalked by My Doctor: Patient’s Revenge. And you have now added lead designer/entrepreneur to your resume with an all-new luxury handbag line, Offero Handbags. Where does the name Offero originate and what inspired you to start this journey?

Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travel and protection. His original name before becoming a saint was Offero. We chose to use Offero for our handbags offering protection for our customers as they travel near and far.

Why is it so important for you to create a fashionable, but practical handbag line with anti-theft features to bridge the gap between sophistication and security? Do you foresee the two being incorporated into more future fashion ideas?

Theft happens every day, all around the world and no-one ever thinks it will happen to them. We want to educate our customers while bringing awareness to protect yourself and your belongings. Our anti-theft handbags use the most desirable materials sourced in Italy and are all domestically made in the United States to ensure the highest level of artisanship matched with quality. We push boundaries and break down customary barriers to create an exquisite, secure handbag.

Most millennials like companies/ brands that give back. How do you feel Offero Handbags is reaching the millennial’s through your support of disaster relief efforts?

A percentage of all sells go towards filling our disaster relief bags with essential items to aide people directly affected by natural disasters. By purchasing a handbag and not only do you invest in yourself, you are making a difference in someone else’s life. We have already sent out our disaster relief bags to aide those who were affected by hurricane Michael.

What is your most popular handbag from the three different styles? Aside from the security what are your most popular features?

They are all so different and they are all selling equally fast. It depends on what you like in a handbag. If you are one to carry everything with you for the day, the MIAMI is the perfect tote bag. If light and carefree is your style, the LA clutch is the way to go. The Manhattan is the perfect everyday bag as it is easy transitional from day to night.

We are widely loved for our patent pending design feature of our chain belt that is incorporated into every bags design.

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What has been your greatest challenge/ reward since starting Offero Handbags?

One challenge was selecting all the materials. We did not spare any expense. We integrated the top of the line slash proof material, RFID shielding fabric, Italian leathers and suede, and our custom combination lock.

The production of these bags brought on its own challenges. Since they are lined with Slash Proof material, they are not easily cut. Our New York manufacturer brought in top of the line blades to precisely cut our handbags to their perfect shape.

What sets Offero Handbags apart from other handbag lines offering similar security features?

We are the only one bringing you quality Italian Leathers, Italian Suede, and Water Resistant Leathers while integrating fashion with safety. One should never have to sacrifice fashion for safety.

Where do you see Offero Handbags in 3 to 5 years?

Do you plan to expand your brand to include apparel/ footwear?

We have a lot of big plans for OFFERO, you will have to stay tuned!

Do you feel the arts and entrepreneurship are connected? Has the transition from actress to entrepreneurship been an easy one because of your built in fan base?

Nothing is ever easy. Everything comes with hard work and persistency. You need to work hard to have people trust in not only you but your product. Offero has been in the works for 2 years. We overcame setbacks and struggles of our own. Rome was not built in a day and neither is any brand or company.

Complete this sentence...

When I am not acting or designing I like to spend time with loved ones or catch a good movie at the theater in my downtime.

The entire breathtaking collection launched October 15th, and is available for purchase online at https://offerohandbags.com/

Together

HEALTHY

“As the Season approaches, look for ways to support the community, where you live, work and play. “ By: Vannessa Wade Photo Credit: Pinterest

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H

Three Reasons to Visit The Farmers Market

By Vannessa Wade

‘Tis the season to shop, bake, visit family and feel overwhelmed.

However, one trip to The Famers Market can change that. If you haven’t noticed not all farmers market are created equal. Years ago, all a person could get from a Farmers Market was produce - but times have changed. Here are three reasons to visit The Farmers Market: 1. Your dollar goes further. Have you ever been stunned at the price tag of some of your favorite essentials at a traditional grocery store? That’s because they are paying the salaries of the growers, delivery drivers, checkers and everyone else at the store. A Farmers Market removes all the bells and whistles and saves you money in time for the holiday season.

2. You support local growers and vendors. We hear about simulating the economy and when you shop local, you actually help the community. You get to know the growers or the vendors that are selling other items. In fact, growers selling locally create 13 full time farm operator jobs which translates to $1 million local revenue dollars. Talk about the gift of giving!

3. It can be a one stop shop. Long gone are the days of a Farmers Market that only sold produce. Today’s bustling markets carry a variety of items including chicken, goat, bison, soaps, breads, hand crafted jewelry and almost anything you can dream of. You also get to interact and get to know the vendor one on one versus scurrying around a busy store. You can purchase gifts, food, table settings and the options are endless.

As the Season approaches, look for ways to support the community, where you live, work and play. @prockstar99 Instagram

PAULISHIA The THERAPIST Lady I have always wanted to have my own business because I have always desired to be my own boss. I grew up learning the value of hard work by my parents’ example, yet I wanted to have the freedom and flexibility of setting my own schedule and being available for my family while building generational wealth. Being able to create a legacy for my children is very important to me!

As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) what are some of the challenges you face with people and mental health?

In working with couples, I see a variety of challenges however I will say that I work with couples who struggle in communicating to each other. This tends to come from what he/she was taught or not taught as a child. Both partners tend to shut down in communicating their needs to each other which can cause one to feel rejected, depressed, resentful, and angry.

Paulishia Augillard is the owner of Polly Clinical Services which provides outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults; and individual, couples, and coaching services to those dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression. She is also a best-selling Author, Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Paulishia describes herself as an empath who is passionate about helping others reach their full potential.

Have you always wanted to become a business owner?

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Has stress, anxiety and depression increased with people since you’ve been in practice? If so, what are the main causes?

This is not easy to answer because of differing methods of conducted research, however I have seen an increase in adolescent referrals for high school/college students dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. Some of the main causes that I have encountered are: dating/ relationships, social media, and academic performance.

You are the author of the new book: “Renewing Your Mind: How to Break Through Cycles of Stress and Anxiety and Start Living the Life you Deserve.” What can readers expect as they turn the pages?

AUGILLARD Readers can expect: Practical strategies in dealing with stress and anxiety. Tools on how to move beyond stress and anxiety and how to shift your mindset in dealing with stress and anxiety.

Who is your audience?

Renewing Your Mind is for adolescents through adulthood.

How does your book tackle the growing numbers of mental illness cases and the alarming statistics on suicide?

Renewing Your Mind takes a personal approach to mental illness by giving readers examples of how the author recognized the need for help. It creates a forum to have a dialogue about mental illness and takes away the stigma of asking for help when it is needed.

The number one reason people should purchase your book?

It is important to connect with the clinician that many are looking to work with in dealing with daily challenges. It was very important for me to tell my story and allow those who may be suffering in silence to know that there is someone who has been through, has survived, and can provide the support needed.

My response has changed over time as I have learned how to be more intentional about balancing work and family life. I work long hours as an entrepreneur and I balance work and family by having a cut-off time once I leave my office. I recognize that if I am constantly working that I am not present for my children and my husband once I get home. My husband and children are very supportive and give me time to unwind once I come home by allowing me 30 minutes to an hour of taking a hot bath/shower without interruption. This allows me to de-stress and be present for them.

The last time you literally laughed out loud?

I laugh out loud every day! My family love to tell jokes, re-enact movies, or make-up jokes so laughing is key to my joy.

Holiday plans or upcoming events?

My holiday plans this year will be to spend time with my family and visit with friends. I will be having my official book signing in January 2019 which I am very excited about! @paugillard Instagram | Facebook: @ transformingfromtheinsideout

How have you prepared yourself to become a clinical psychologist in the future?

I have actually worked with clinical psychologists in my previous jobs and learned a great deal in evaluation and testing of clients. I have had the opportunity to shadow and gain hands-on experience and knowledge from some of the best clinical psychologists practicing in the field today!

Women are often asked how they balance work and family. What is your response to this question? Name ways in which your husband and children help to give you “me� time.

PHOTOS BY: NAZ TAHERI

Photo credit: Eric Schwabel

LIL

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AN BOWDEN Lilan Bowden stars as the free-spirited ‘Bex Mack’ in Disney’s award-winning, coming-of-age series “Andi Mack.” The show films in Utah (new episodes for Season 3 debuted in September). Bowden plays the mother of the title character played by Peyton Elizabeth Lee. We caught up with the actress who shared not only her love for television, but the comedy stage as well.

Describe your TV character Bex Mack?

For people who have not seen the show, my character was introduced as 13 year-old Andi Mack’s older sister who ran away and comes back home to restart her life. In the pilot episode— it was revealed she is not the older sister, but the mom.

Throughout the show, fans see Bex transitioning from not wanting to settle down to becoming a different person.

Andi Mack airs on Monday’s on the Disney Channel. Why should people tune in to watch?

I think Andi Mack is not only a good show for children and teenagers, but it’s really good for families. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from people my age, people who are parents, and those who don’t have kids who say they really like it. I think the reason why is because it’s so relatable. This show captures what it’s really like to grow up with the things that can be harsh for pre-teens and teens.

Another great thing about the show— it’s so diverse.

You have an Asian-American family and the first of it’s kind— a gay series regular, Cyrus Goodman who is played by actor Joshua Rush. We also deal with anxiety attacks and kids not fitting in, which I don’t think is always represented in children’s television.

How involved are the actors, with the writers to keep up the authenticity of the show?

We have a really skilled group of writers that actually

watch us (the cast) and let us influence how the writing will go for the show. Though we don’t have a direct impact on what the content is—I can tell the scripts are influenced by us. For example: There is one episode where Andi teaches Bex how to solve a Rubik’s Cube. That whole scene came from the head writer, Terri Minsky. She watched me onset trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube with a crew member.

A couple of weeks later, I see the dialogue from that interaction in the script (laughter).

The mother and daughter chemistry between you and Peyton Elizabeth Lee is so believable.

What is your favorite scene together so far?

I will say… when we have scenes together we always talk about how much we love it! We are really close which makes my job so much easier.

A favorite scene we shot? There is the episode where me and Andi Mack are in a pillow fort taking quizzes in a magazine and we get into a fight. It was great because we actually got to spend days in a fort together, eating snacks leading up to us filming the fight scene. We both said how we were looking forward to it and then not because we really do hate it when we have to fight onscreen. We love each other that much (laughter).

Upcoming projects outside of Andi Mack?

I am currently in Utah where the show is filmed, but whenever I go back to L.A. I try to get a little bit done. I’ll be in the next season of “Future Man” on Hulu. There is also a web series my friends created that I am a apart of called, “The Filth.” I saw the trailer and it’s really good! I got to film that during my hiatus. I’m a big part of the L.A. comedy theater “Upright Citizens Brigade.” I always get in a couple of live shows when I’m there. So for people who really like live comedy and who live in Los Angeles, you can check my Instagram or Twitter and I can tell you when I’m performing. You can also catch me on Lilan and Wilder where my friend and I shoot oneminute comedy sketches.

SH

HUMP

by: la tasha taylor Photograph: sharita humphrey 30 || BSM MAGAZINE

ARITA

HREY

Can you recall a time where a relationship was mended because both people decided to work on their finances together?

teach our children money management skills early on, we are creating a foundation of financial stability that will last a lifetime.

At the beginning of my relationship with my husband, Quincey, we had very different views on finance and money management. I’m what my husband calls a “super saver,” and he was more liberal in the way he handled money. Our different backgrounds definitely caused us to learn how to better communicate when discussing our finances and what we desired for our future. We knew that we couldn’t achieve all the goals and dreams that we envisioned for ourselves and our family without getting on the same “money team.” My husband is the reason I’m more open to investing into myself and our future, and he’s more mindful about being a bit more conservative. After realizing that we needed to be willing to talk open and honestly, pray together, and forgive, I am proud to say we’ve built our dream life.

What has been the most rewarding experience for your business so far?

How do you and your husband work together to teach people about the importance of financial growth?

The way my husband and I teach people the importance of financial growth is by sharing our story, our resources, and tools informed by my Debt Management Mastermind program. Most of my resources live on my website www.sharitamhumphrey. com, consisting of blogs, vlogs, podcasts, and discussions about our money journey on social media @sharitamh. We want people to know that financial independence is a journey to reclaim your life and do what you love with whom you love and cherish.

Financial growth is about more than just money and assets—it’s freedom. Just imagine a life where you can create moments and milestones that are truly memorable without your time being held hostage by money problems or stress.

At what age should parents teach their kids about finances as well as introduce them to money management resources?

The sooner the better is always my motto. I believe that you should start teaching your children about finances when they start preschool. Our perception of money and spending habits normally developed before the age of ten. Introduce money management topics like saving, banking, and even budgeting. This is when their minds are like sponges and they soak up whatever we teach them. I began to have these conversations with our toddler as soon as he began to speak. Our toddler has his own bank account, and when he visits Navy Federal he knows to ask the teller for a receipt for making his deposit! If we begin to

The most rewarding experience for my business thus far is my feature in an article that was recently published on Forbes.com, 5 Fast-Growing Businesses Reveal Their Shared Secret to Success. I’m so grateful to be recognized among so many awesome and thriving entrepreneurs! I had a conversation at the beginning of 2018 with my husband and my mentor about being featured in a Forbes article. That same day, my mentor told me to write down all of the goals that I wanted to achieve over the next twelve to twenty-four months. To know that one of my main goals didn’t even take a year still has me in awe.

Top holiday tip you can provide for people to shop within their means.

Question yourself before making any big holiday purchases. Make sure can you truly afford what you’re going to buy without sending yourself into debt or having to resort to using your credit card. If holiday purchases are going to put a financial strain on your budget, stress you out, or cause an immediate negative cash flow, then you probably can’t afford it.

Focus on what the holidays are truly about. Remember that the best gift to anyone is your time, and that’s priceless.

Last favorite place you and your family traveled for the holidays?

We love visiting Austin, Texas during the winter months because of the great travel deals available. I’m a fan of road trips and so is my family. I’m excited to return to Austin for a few days during the holidays this year. It’s a family tradition!

Complete the following sentence in your own words: ‘Tis the season to be ___________________ Tis’ the season to be mindful on how you spend your money! You don’t want to be one of the millions of Americans that will be paying off debt from this year’s holiday spending one year from now.

Creating moments with your family and friends is truly the best gift that matters and guess what—it’s FREE! Instead of writing a list of everything you’re going to buy, consider writing a list of all the memories you want to make.

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